The Power of Choice: Mobile Number Portability and Airtel

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The registration process for a new SIM card in Bangladesh is mandatory and regulated by the BTRC to ensure security and prevent misuse. Typically, prospective customers need to provide:

Proof of Identity: This usually includes a national identity card (NID), passport, or other government-issued identification.
Passport-sized Photograph: A recent photograph is generally required for registration.
Biometric Verification: Bangladesh has implemented a biometric SIM registration system, where the user's fingerprints are taken and matched against their national identity database. This adds an extra layer of security and helps in verifying the identity of the subscriber.
Once the registration process is complete and verified, the new Airtel SIM card is activated, and the associated mobile number becomes operational, allowing the user to make calls, send messages, and access mobile norway phone number list data services.


Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has introduced a significant dynamic to the mobile telecommunications landscape in Bangladesh. Implemented to empower consumers, MNP allows subscribers to switch from one mobile operator to another while retaining their existing mobile phone number.

Despite being available in Bangladesh for several years, the adoption of MNP has been relatively slow. Recent reports indicate that less than 1% of active mobile subscribers in Bangladesh have utilized this service. This could be attributed to various factors, including a perceived lack of significant differentiation in service quality or tariffs between operators, or simply inertia among subscribers.

However, for those who do choose to switch to Airtel while keeping their existing number, the process involves:

Generating a Porting Code: The subscriber needs to send a specific SMS to a designated shortcode (often 1900) from their current mobile number to generate a unique porting code. This code is valid for a limited period.
Submitting a Porting Request to Airtel: The subscriber then needs to visit an Airtel store or an authorized point of sale and submit a porting request, along with the unique porting code and the required identification documents.